Becoming a Ham Radio Operator

What is Ham Radio?
Amateur Radio (Ham Radio) is a popular hobby and service in which licensed Amateur Radio operators (hams) operate communications equipment.Although Amateur Radio operators get involved for many reasons, they all have in common a basic knowledge of radio technology and operating principles, and pass an examination for the FCC license to operate on radio frequencies known as the "Amateur Bands." These bands are radio frequencies reserved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for use by ham radio operators.
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Be a SANDARC Member Club

The San Diego Amateur Radio Council, Inc. (SANDARC) is a countywide organization comprised of Amateur Radio Clubs from all parts of San Diego County, working for the betterment of Amateur Radio. SANDARC affiliated clubs present a unified front and have a means to exchange ideas and activities in the spirit of fraternity for which Amateur Radio is so famous. The objectives of the Council are to combine opinions, ideas, and strengths of the various clubs; to assist the affiliated clubs in promoting the welfare of the Amateur Radio fraternity; and to encourage activities that will benefit the art of Amateur Radio. Each affiliated club is represented by two delegates and/or alternates at each of the Council meetings (4 per year). These delegates nominate and elect the officers of the Council and exchange suggestions on SANDARC activities. Implementation begins after a majority vote of the representatives present.
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SANDARC Events

In an effort to increase the level of awareness of amateur radio within the public, member clubs participate in community events such as (but not limited to):
Santee Street Fair
Carlsbad Street Fair
Distribution of ARRL study material to San Diego County Libraries, San Diego City Libraries, Carlsbad Library, and Escondido Library
Some member clubs assist in providing license training for local Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) through the various area fire departments
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Welcome to the San Diego Amateur Radio Council (SANDARC) Website!!

We are a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization that supports San Diego Amateur Radio Operators, Member Clubs, and the Community.

Our mission is to serve the needs of:

SANDARC Member Clubs, Delegates and Board Members

The General Public segment that is interested in becoming a new Amateur Radio OperatorA

Local agencies with needs for communications at times of disaster or public emergencies.

SANDARC is working hard for the Amateur Radio Community.

The San Diego County Amateur Radio Council, Inc. (SANDARC) was formed in 1958 by San Diego area Amateur Radio organizations to further the goals of Amateur Radio and its member clubs throughout the region.

SANDARC promotes events and activities throughout the San Diego Amateur Radio Community. SANDARC offers free Amateur Radio license examinations, just about every weekend of the year. You can take an examination for your Technician, General or Extra Class License. From time to time, SANDARC also sponsors classes for those who wish to obtain or upgrade a license, with testing immediately following the class.

Every four years, SANDARC has sponsored the Southwestern Division Convention here in San Diego County. Our next convention was expected to be in September 2018, but is under reconsideration. Be sure to check back in mid-2017 for convention information.

Individual Amateur Radio operators do not join SANDARC. Member clubs appoint delegates to attend SANDARC meetings as their representatives.